SDK Changes Open Door to VOIP Over 3G Networks... iPad Phone Calls Possible?

[HobeSoundDarryl]

They will probably still charge you $29.95 activation fee, making monthly back-n-forth switching not very cost effective...

You know with AT&T, you never really know. This could be a standard 24-month contract in disguise as something much better. However, the scant details we have on it (see the video) sure seem to imply it is a pure prepaid month plan. I take it as pay for the next 30 days, use it during those days, then lose it after 30, unless you prepay for the next 30.

I also take it as if I am traveling- say- this weekend, I prepay for a months use, use if for just the weekend, cancel on MON but get no prorated refund for the rest of the month.

Nevertheless, if it is like this, it is a relatively good deal for many occasional travelers... even more so if it turns out that VOIP will work well through 3G, making this a very cheap, yet fairly good replica of 3G phone functionality, without any kind of long-term contract. I think for a decent amount of trip time, it is cheaper than a MIFI-type solution or a pay-by-day option.

But I'm still looking for confirmation that we'll have a good VOIP solution via 3G through this device. The iPad is missing a few key features that interested me, but this one could be quite a good feature for someone not already locked into an iPhone/AT&T contract plan (using headphones with mic of course).

If this does work out, another great option might be the next-gen iPod Touch. If it gets this same kind of deal, working VOIP over 3G functionality, and this thing's wiMAX capabilities, that could become the iPhone for everyone who doesn't want to lock in with AT&T (or whoever the next-gen iPhone will be available through).

I thought the last update of the Touch might get wimax chips (and it might have- just not actively available as I understand it), so I was looking to it to potentially be my occasionally use iPhone sans contract. But then it hit with wifi only, also missing a camera and it as an occasional use iPhone turned into it plus a MIFI-type device.

This iPad has wimax, apparently has prepaid monthly 3G, and per this thread apparently will have VOIP over 3G. If so, it is quite a good value as an occasional use iPhone alternative. Now if it just had a few other missing pieces like isight camera, Flash, and multitasking options.

 

[hitekalex]

if it turns out that VOIP will work well through 3G, making this a very cheap, yet fairly good replica of 3G phone functionality, without any kind of long-term contract. I think for a decent amount of trip time, it is cheaper than a MIFI-type solution or a pay-by-day option.

But I'm still looking for confirmation that we'll have a good VOIP solution via 3G through this device. The iPad is missing a few key features that interested me, but this one could be quite a good feature for someone not already locked into an iPhone/AT&T contract plan (using headphones with mic of course).

But why would you even want to use this thing as a phone? It's not exactly pocketable. Are you going to drag it along for every trip to a grocery store, etc? I can see it being useful for video calls (if it had a front facing cam), but don't see much of a point for using it as a voice phone.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

But why would you even want to use this thing as a phone? It's not exactly pocketable. Are you going to drag it along for every trip to a grocery store, etc? I can see it being useful for video calls (if it had a front facing cam), but don't see much of a point for using it as a voice phone.

I have my own business. Probably 85% of the time I am at home or in the office and can do all of my phone-based functions off of the 3G grid. However, on occasion I have to travel. There isn't enough of these occasions to justify an iPhone with a monthly contract. But there are enough situations while traveling where it would be nice to be able to make a 3G-like call. I can't always find open wifi when I need to make a call (and pay phones are becoming increasingly endangered in the wild).

This thing does have wimax, which means finding an open hot spot may be easier with the added range vs wifi. But since it apparently also has prepaid 3G when needed, and apparently VOIP over 3G, it could essentially offer the phone part of an iPhone-like experience anytime, anywhere, on demand, with no contract. That has great appeal for my kind of situation.

It would be very cheap 3G phone-like access only when needed, along with the other benefits of its mobility, iWork apps, email, internet, etc. It might be enough to cover my working needs but I'll want to play with one in the store to better judge that.

I've never embraced cell phones for casual calling- say- at the grocery store. I don't see this things VOIP 3G getting used like a casual cell phone... just very, very occasionally when I'm away from my usual locations and readily available phone services. In that scenario, having phone functionality built in makes it a phone too... in one device. That adds some value (IMO). Can I see people using this as their primary phone? Not very easily. Can I see it being a replacement for a monthly cell-phone for a more extensive traveler? A little easier (given the cost savings). But all-in-all, I think it is more valuable to have it built in- even at the higher prices for the 3G options- than to buy one of these without it for anyone who would like ONE device to also cover their occasional phone needs while traveling.

Right now, I still think I wait for Version 2 (there are very valuable "I can't believe they didn't include" features that are missing)... or maybe just keep trying to cover the travel phone need bases with the laptop. But I do see value in 3G VOIP via prepaid "when needed" service... not so much because this (IMO off-target) iPad exists... but because that combination of services looks like they will exist within it.

 

[JohnDoe98]

Also, other than multitasking, tethering, and a camera, can anyone tell me what this is missing that cannot currently be implemented via software? It seems the 3g models have aGPS and I imagine things like wireless printing and a better book reader software would be possible (i.e. something that allows one to take notes in one's books in a way that skim lets you do it with pdfs). Does anyone know if a stylus would work and be precise on this thing to sketch in brushes or some other program like it? Because if its only the camera that is missing hardware wise, jailbreaking should really open this puppy up until Apple gets their act together. Why wait for rev 2 then if I don't use a camera? Any reasons anyone can think of would be great.

This thing does have wimax, which means finding an open hot spot may be easier with the added range vs wifi. But since it apparently also has prepaid 3G when needed, and apparently VOIP over 3G, it could essentially offer the phone part of an iPhone-like experience anytime, anywhere, on demand, with no contract. That has great appeal for my kind of situation.

Where does it say anything about wimax?

 

[hitekalex]

I have my own business. Probably 85% of the time I am at home or in the office and can do all of my phone-based functions off of the 3G grid. However, on occasion I have to travel. There isn't enough of these occasions to justify an iPhone with a monthly contract. But there are enough situations while traveling where it would be nice to be able to make a 3G-like call.

Sounds like you just need one of those Pay-as-you-Go plans.. buy a block of minutes and use it on those rare occasions, without 2-year contracts or monthly plans.

Or even something like a MiFi + iPod Touch.

I just think it would be a major hassle dealing with a 10" slab of glass and headphones to make a phone call when I am driving a car or on the go.. It would be like going back to the days when cell phones came with 20lbs carry on bags that have to be attached to them

This thing does have wimax,

It has no wimax.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Sounds like you just need one of those Pay-as-you-Go plans.. buy a block of minutes and use it on those rare occasions, without 2-year contracts or monthly plans.

Yes. Again if I was interested in this iPad (I'm still iffy because it lacks some other goodies that should be there), the idea is ONE device. Sure I can buy a phone and take the laptop I already have. But the attraction would be if a person could find enough laptop function utility in this thing AND it could also cover the occasional need for phone calls. I'm saying maximum portability has great appeal, but not so portable such as with the iPhone, which is just too small to be a contender.

Or even something like a MiFi + iPod Touch.

That has been the working concept. But it is too small for me... and per the ONE device idea.

The question is: is there enough in this iPad to maybe leave the laptop at home? If so, and it could also be the phone when occasionally needed, it would trump laptop + iPod Touch + Mifi.

I'm doubting it is enough vs. the laptop. But I'm trying to like it. The phone functionality- if fully there- is one of two key things I would be seeking to even consider it. The glaring missing features would have certainly helped. But is there enough of my laptop use functionality in it?

I just think it would be a major hassle dealing with a 10" slab of glass and headphones to make a phone call when I am driving a car or on the go.. It would be like going back to the days when cell phones came with 20lbs carry on bags that have to be attached to them

Absolutely. That's not my use. For me, it is not a casual cell phone contender. I'll make NO calls driving the car, or at the grocery, or even for fun. I'd make calls from stationary points- such as when I'm at the airport and the flight is delayed. Or when I'm waiting to make a meeting and I want to squeeze in some other confirmations without a pay phone to be found.

And in all of these only for that little bit of time when I have to travel for business... which is not enough time to justify an iPhone with a monthly plan... but is enough to desire the convenience of the flexibility of an iPhone + plan for a few days here and there when I'm on the road.

It has no wimax.

I thought I saw/heard that yesterday. I stand corrected.

And how sad it doesn't have it.

 

[boncellis]

Maybe Apple will put a micro-GSM slot in the next iPod Touch for prepaid 3G connectivity--then you can iCall away to your heart's content without a contract.

Oh, and that camera people were so upset about.

 

[fleggy]

Unless you are a product manager, I wouldn't be quoting product management 101. I can't believe you even posted such comments. There's always new features to add to version 2+. You don't have to hold back desirable features so that you have something to add next year. There's always new stuff to add next year. Are you believing that Apple is so limited in imagination that it needs to hold back such simple features because they might not be able to come up with a way to make it better next year+? Really?

The tech evolutionary train just keeps on running. Next year, they could roll out version 2 with CDMA and sell it to 80M Verizon subs hungry for an iPhone-like device. Next year, they could build in new software features, bigger storage, faster processors, more power storage, etc (all of which you know will come in version 2+ anyway). Holding back a camera? Holding back Flash? Because they need it to make version 2 appealing? Really?

Supply & Demand? Make it great so that demand far exceeds supply is a problem? So make it so-so so that demand is less (and thus less potential ROIs) so that they can keep up with weaker demand... to sell more over the long haul? Are you kidding? Make it as great as possible. If demand far exceeds supply, just do the best you can to fill demand until you catch up to it. A business 101 goal is to maximize ROIs. If it was such that every person on the planet would buy one in the first quarter, that's fantastic. Next quarter/year roll out the new version and many of them will upgrade... just like we do with perfectly good, still quite usable computers, iPhones, iPods, etc.

Hold back? Yikes. I would not want you to be in charge of new product development at my company. I'm pretty confident that Apple could hold nothing back in a new product, and then listen to a happy "but I wish it also had" community of buyers (while enjoying the cash those buyers paid for it), plus keep up with the steadily turning wheels of tech evolution in general, and still have plenty to build into a wow version 2+ in the next few years.

HobeSoundDarryl

Actually, I am a Product Manager, but please accept my apologies for what could be considered a condescending comment [101]. Sorry – War and Peace coming…A lot of frustration being vented (not at you, personally)…

I see a lot of people complaining about what the iPad does NOT do. They are looking at it from a consumer’s point of view (quite rightly). The problem is…Apple do not (which I was merely trying to point out).

That does not mean they don’t understand what we want. It is not that they don’t have the technical know how. It is; first and foremost…how they maximize revenues (and more importantly – profit).

Apple drip feed features – fact – just look at other products. They are doing it with the iPhone (no multi tasking), iPod Touch (no camera), MBP (no bluray or HDMI output). These things will come…when Apple are ready (sales are going down).

They do this so that you come back and buy the same thing - again.

They NEED repeat “same customer” sales. As you said…their products last forever. That’s actually a great selling point, but terrible for business (and the ROI you allude too).

The way in which they position products is quite unique, and certainly compelling. That counters the “bad for business” part. You yourself state that you will come back and upgrade. Job done. They are banking on more people like you, which will buy it and then buy another one when other features are released (major – not minor speed increases or an extra 64GB HDD).

Obviously, this time they got it slightly wrong – certainly as far as you are concerned, but all they have done is employ a previous product strategy. I still think they will sell boat loads of em’ as they are!

Regarding supply and demand (and ROI). If you have a great demand…that truly is a wonderful thing. I agree with you. But how do I fulfill it?

If I can’t ship – demand means nothing – no cash in the bank. That means I am waiting longer for my return (now need a higher return). And please; please don’t try and trivialize the supply chain on these things and assume “ask for more to be built” is easy. Cost of inventory goes up, therefore more cash is tied up. It also makes you less flexible to change in market demands and technology advances. You said yourself…tech is changing quickly. It is! Why tie yourself up with a production run of one year?

Also - with greater demand you may find yourself easily waiting one year for an iPad V1.0. Would you be prepared to that long? What processor will be available in one year’s time? Would you not rather have that in your iPad? Either that processor is not going to be an option (so Apple’s products get the “outdated” tag), or you cancel your “request”.

That leaves Apple with excess stock and manufacturing orders they can’t cancel. Oh – and if you do decide to wait… be prepared to pay in excess of $1K for it? – Don’t think having a camera, multi tasking and flash would be nicely priced at $499!! The cost will be higher (because it will be higher for Apple’s on R&D and raw materials).

To price this product higher, would put it within touching distance of the MBP range. I know what I would buy.

“Always leave them wanting more” is a VERY old sales technique…but it works VERY well, and Apple have refined it into an art form. The iPad is a different product on the same old Apple plan.

BTW - one of the newer posts on here show the SDK referencing "take photo". That proves they know at least one thing we want and are considering it.

Good banter, Sir!

 

[fleggy]

Com'on you guys. There are plenty of solutions. Why can we only see this Tablet in our hands and apparently tired arms? Why can we only see it being used while we are apparently walking/bouncing around?

For an iChat, it won't be hard at all to find a stable surface on which to set the thing while you chat. Just look around your environment, imagine you have one now, imagine you get a Skype/iChat video request, where could you put it for a purely stable video chat session?

If you are walking/moving about and there is no good solution for video chat at that moment, don't take/make the video call, use audio only. Audio won't fail even if you are on a bumpy carnival ride at the time, or hanging upside down, or naked.

We're trying so hard to justify why it doesn't make sense for Apple to include an isight camera that we are very selectively imagining scenarios where it indeed would be challenging to conduct a video call. Is your butt glued to that couch? Are your arms the only possible way to support (stable) orientation of this device for a video chat?

And for every one of those scenarios, there would be dozens more where having that OPTION would be terrific. I'm in the hotel or at the office and the ONE mobile device I have with me is sitting in it's very stable dock- iChat/Skype video ready. I'm at the coffee shop or the bookstore and I want to take/make this video call: set it on the table on the dock you probably have with you, or improvise a stand by propping it against the wall, against your bag, against the table's centerpiece, etc. Is it really that hard?

But in those less frequent situations where you know you can't video chat, just take the audio call, or have yourself in "unavailable" mode, etc. Or don't answer/make the call at that time (just like you do with your isight laptop now).

I would much rather have the OPTION for when I can video Skype, then have no option because it won't work perfectly well in every scenario I can imagine. Sometimes, I'm underwater so I guess Mabooks, Desktops, iPhones and iPods are no good to own either.

I'm totally with you on this...it could work. When's version 2 coming, again?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

HobeSoundDarryl

Actually, I am a Product Manager, but please accept my apologies for what could be considered a condescending comment [101]. Sorry – War and Peace coming…A lot of frustration being vented (not at you, personally)…

I see a lot of people complaining about what the iPad does NOT do. They are looking at it from a consumer’s point of view (quite rightly). The problem is…Apple do not (which I was merely trying to point out).

That does not mean they don’t understand what we want. It is not that they don’t have the technical know how. It is; first and foremost…how they maximize revenues (and more importantly – profit).

Apple drip feed features – fact – just look at other products. They are doing it with the iPhone (no multi tasking), iPod Touch (no camera), MBP (no bluray or HDMI output). These things will come…when Apple are ready (sales are going down).

They do this so that you come back and buy the same thing - again.

They NEED repeat “same customer” sales. As you said…their products last forever. That’s actually a great selling point, but terrible for business (and the ROI you allude too).

The way in which they position products is quite unique, and certainly compelling. That counters the “bad for business” part. You yourself state that you will come back and upgrade. Job done. They are banking on more people like you, which will buy it and then buy another one when other features are released (major – not minor speed increases or an extra 64GB HDD).

Obviously, this time they got it slightly wrong – certainly as far as you are concerned, but all they have done is employ a previous product strategy. I still think they will sell boat loads of em’ as they are!

Regarding supply and demand (and ROI). If you have a great demand…that truly is a wonderful thing. I agree with you. But how do I fulfill it?

If I can’t ship – demand means nothing – no cash in the bank. That means I am waiting longer for my return (now need a higher return). And please; please don’t try and trivialize the supply chain on these things and assume “ask for more to be built” is easy. Cost of inventory goes up, therefore more cash is tied up. It also makes you less flexible to change in market demands and technology advances. You said yourself…tech is changing quickly. It is! Why tie yourself up with a production run of one year?

Also - with greater demand you may find yourself easily waiting one year for an iPad V1.0. Would you be prepared to that long? What processor will be available in one year’s time? Would you not rather have that in your iPad? Either that processor is not going to be an option (so Apple’s products get the “outdated” tag), or you cancel your “request”.

That leaves Apple with excess stock and manufacturing orders they can’t cancel. Oh – and if you do decide to wait… be prepared to pay in excess of $1K for it? – Don’t think having a camera, multi tasking and flash would be nicely priced at $499!! The cost will be higher (because it will be higher for Apple’s on R&D and raw materials).

To price this product higher, would put it within touching distance of the MBP range. I know what I would buy.

“Always leave them wanting more” is a VERY old sales technique…but it works VERY well, and Apple have refined it into an art form. The iPad is a different product on the same old Apple plan.

BTW - one of the newer posts on here show the SDK referencing "take photo". That proves they know at least one thing we want and are considering it.

Good banter, Sir!

Then my apologies: you've actually taken product management 101. In my business, I often work with product managers building products and services that significantly jack up demand, by employing some of the very things I'm suggesting Apple should employ. For my clients, they absolutely love having more demand than supply (much preferred to equilibrium or worse).

And I wasn't trying to make excess demand or supply chain challenges trivial. I just live about every day trying to help companies create the "problem" of more demand than supply. It is much more desirable for my clients to work toward finding ways to scale up supply to meet too much demand, then weaken demand trying to hit supply equilibrium. More simply, my clients want to set records in product sales, so that always want that "problem". Often they are turning to my team & I to try to help them figure out ways to create that "problem".

Apple is NOT one of my clients (too bad for me). But if I was their consultant, I would push this very kind of stuff. I agree that they build stuff that can last many years (I'm actually typing this on a 7-year old Mac right now). But this particular thing... this particular product line... is quick to beg for upgrades- NOT (IMO) because of features they strategically left out being added in version 2+, but just because the passage of time creates the demand for "more". Technology advances quickly. Next year, there will be tons of possibilities for new advances for this iPad.

Had they rolled out this thing with the few missing features that the "crowd" of Apple fanatics on this site are collectively whining about most, they would have gotten my order. Instead they don't. Will they get my money with Version 2? Maybe, or maybe I'll have chosen to go with something else.

But had they, version 2 could come along with other features that would have certainly been tempting. My 2nd iPod still works, but I've upgraded a few times since. Because they left features out of the 2nd one? No, because later ones had more storage (an almost commoditized benefit), or other features that just didn't exist when prior versions were created.

Had Version 1 iPad had those couple of features such that ALL Apple could add in version 2 would be more storage, faster processor, Touch interface version 4, etc would I have bought it too? Maybe. These devices- these iPod family devices- seem to beg for upgrades every year or two. I think it's not because of what's cleverly left out by Apple, but just because feature sets for mobile devices evolve quickly. With the media this thing will be able to hold- and play well, it is going to be a perpetual "need more storage" device.

On a micro level, instead of getting my money now, and my money again for version 2, Apple might only get my money in version 2... and that's just a maybe. Perhaps I'll help their under supply worries by NOT giving them my money? But it's hard for me to understand any company's desire to sell less for fear of not being able to meet demand. Usually when that is a real problem and there's no way to ramp up supply, prices are just jacked up to balance demand, yielding ridiculous profitability per unit sold. For a relevant example, think about the wii when it first rolled out to much more demand than they could supply.

So I appreciate the comments, and tremendously respect your experience as a product management professional. I'll bow that you know much more about your profession than I do. However, I have not met any of your peers who share that philosophy of wanting to weaken demand for fear of overshooting supply (for me they always want more demand than supply), but now I know that philosophy exists somewhere. As a AAPL stockholder, I'm glad to know that Apple will somehow prosper on a micro-level by NOT making the sale of this thing to me.

 

[twoodcc]

now if this is true, then the iPad would really be a steal!

 

[fleggy]

Then my apologies: you've actually taken product management 101. In my business, I often work with product managers building products and services that significantly jack up demand, by employing some of the very things I'm suggesting Apple should employ. For my clients, they absolutely love having more demand than supply (much preferred to equilibrium or worse).

And I wasn't trying to make excess demand or supply chain challenges trivial. I just live about every day trying to help companies create the "problem" of more demand than supply. It is much more desirable for my clients to work toward finding ways to scale up supply to meet too much demand, then weaken demand trying to hit supply equilibrium. More simply, my clients want to set records in product sales, so that always want that "problem". Often they are turning to my team & I to try to help them figure out ways to create that "problem".

Apple is NOT one of my clients (too bad for me). But if I was their consultant, I would push this very kind of stuff. I agree that they build stuff that can last many years (I'm actually typing this on a 7-year old Mac right now). But this particular thing... this particular product line... is quick to beg for upgrades- NOT (IMO) because of features they strategically left out being added in version 2+, but just because the passage of time creates the demand for "more". Technology advances quickly. Next year, there will be tons of possibilities for new advances for this iPad.

Had they rolled out this thing with the few missing features that the "crowd" of Apple fanatics on this site are collectively whining about most, they would have gotten my order. Instead they don't. Will they get my money with Version 2? Maybe, or maybe I'll have chosen to go with something else.

But had they, version 2 could come along with other features that would have certainly been tempting. My 2nd iPod still works, but I've upgraded a few times since. Because they left features out of the 2nd one? No, because later ones had more storage (an almost commoditized benefit), or other features that just didn't exist when prior versions were created.

Had Version 1 iPad had those couple of features such that ALL Apple could add in version 2 would be more storage, faster processor, Touch interface version 4, etc would I have bought it too? Maybe. These devices- these iPod family devices- seem to beg for upgrades every year or two. I think it's not because of what's cleverly left out by Apple, but just because feature sets for mobile devices evolve quickly. With the media this thing will be able to hold- and play well, it is going to be a perpetual "need more storage" device.

On a micro level, instead of getting my money now, and my money again for version 2, Apple might only get my money in version 2... and that's just a maybe. Perhaps I'll help their under supply worries by NOT giving them my money? But it's hard for me to understand any company's desire to sell less for fear of not being able to meet demand. Usually when that is a real problem and there's no way to ramp up supply, prices are just jacked up to balance demand, yielding ridiculous profitability per unit sold. For a relevant example, think about the wii when it first rolled out to much more demand than they could supply.

So I appreciate the comments, and tremendously respect your experience as a product management professional. I'll bow that you know much more about your profession than I do. However, I have not met any of your peers who share that philosophy of wanting to weaken demand for fear of overshooting supply (for me they always want more demand than supply), but now I know that philosophy exists somewhere. As a AAPL stockholder, I'm glad to know that Apple will somehow prosper on a micro-level by NOT making the sale of this thing to me.

No apology is necessary! You are more than entitled to your opinions, which I value.

All I would say is…you can’t really compare Apple to other companies. Apple is totally unique in the market place (IMHO). They don’t need to employ folks to help build their brand, nor figure out ways to get interest. All they do is tell people “Say nothing”. “Less is more” has never been truer. Hype overdrive!

This is the result when you finally succeed in creating the ultimate brand loyalty. It’s quite rare and we are all chasing it.

As a Product Manager, I do find myself trying hard to generate the interest, gain early adoption and of course the Holy Grail – customer testimonials (that I can quote – publicly)…just like you will be doing for your clients. That does not mean, we can’t take a step back and see what Apple really do (objectively without the emotion of their product lines). It’s tough to do, and quite frankly, why we get upset/annoyed/mad when we don’t get what we think we should.

That said, I think Apple may have relied on brand loyalty a little too much with this product release. I firmly believe they applied their “standard business template” to the iPad, but this time they may have gotten a little greedy, and scoped back a little too much. It sounds like that is true for both you, and me. I am not going to purchase version 1 either. This will be a good test for that loyalty. Mind, at that price point, with no carrier commitment, I think they will sell “enough”.

The Wii is an interesting comparison. Released in Nov 06, and I don’t hear anyone complaining about lack of upgrades. Now - imagine if Apple released the iPad in Nov 2006 with cutting edge technology (everything in). Would customers (fanboys) be happy that it had not been updated, today, 2010? There would be an outrage – right?

Apple now plays to it (IMO). They really do know their customers (I reserve the right to exclude ATV and potentially iPad from that statement – LOL).

Ask our peers – if they were Apple, what would they do. I would hope they see the same model that I do. Since they don’t work for Apple, perhaps that’s why…they are still seeking the Holy Grail.

I really do have to take my hat off to Apple. Genius. Let’s hope they don’t abuse it.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The Wii is an interesting comparison. Released in Nov 06, and I don’t hear anyone complaining about lack of upgrades. Now - imagine if Apple released the iPad in Nov 2006 with cutting edge technology (everything in). Would customers (fanboys) be happy that it had not been updated, today, 2010? There would be an outrage – right?

Definitely. Just in case it wasn't clear, I volunteered the Wii product more as a comparison of new product launch, and how it was a recent(?) tech launch where demand far exceeded supply... and stayed that way for quite a long time. That seemed to work very well for Nintendo... they seemed to like that "problem" very much. And now that it is flipping around the other way, they don't seem to be liking that very much at all.

Now it is getting a bit long in tooth, so its quite understandable that sales of the same tech is getting tired. This iPad is not a Wii- had it had the "held back" features or not. I'm confident had it been what we hope it will be in the next version(s) yesterday, there would be plenty of new stuff to build in to entice us to version 2 next year. Holding back an isight camera, multitasking, Flash, etc. won't be "oh my God!" innovations in version 2. They'll be "that's what should have been in there last year" features.

But whatever works. If it gets Apple tons of sales of iPad now, and tons more next year, then this will be more iPhone, iPod vs. AppleTV, Cube. I have several iPods and an AppleTV- love both (as well as several Macs). But I'm not buying an iPad "as is". To me it can't be "magical & revolutionary" while missing last years simple technologies that seem they belong in it's mix.

 

[freddiecable]

question: since it has a 3G-phone-modem. does that not mean that apple could open up for regular cell phone calls? it has microphone and speakers/headphones jack...

 

[fleggy]

Definitely. Just in case it wasn't clear, I volunteered the Wii product more as a comparison of new product launch, and how it was a recent(?) tech launch where demand far exceeded supply... and stayed that way for quite a long time. That seemed to work very well for Nintendo... they seemed to like that "problem" very much. And now that it is flipping around the other way, they don't seem to be liking that very much at all.

Now it is getting a bit long in tooth, so its quite understandable that sales of the same tech is getting tired. This iPad is not a Wii- had it had the "held back" features or not. I'm confident had it been what we hope it will be in the next version(s) yesterday, there would be plenty of new stuff to build in to entice us to version 2 next year. Holding back an isight camera, multitasking, Flash, etc. won't be "oh my God!" innovations in version 2. They'll be "that's what should have been in there last year" features.

But whatever works. If it gets Apple tons of sales of iPad now, and tons more next year, then this will be more iPhone, iPod vs. AppleTV, Cube. I have several iPods and an AppleTV- love both (as well as several Macs). But I'm not buying an iPad "as is". To me it can't be "magical & revolutionary" while missing last years simple technologies that seem they belong in it's mix.

You were clear

Demand truly is wonderful as I said, but only if you can fulfill. The Wii product lifecycle is very different to an iPad and MB's.

With my consumer hat on...I really wish Apple had put more features in too. With a business hat on...they are using the same tried and testing formula (which maximizes revenues). Awesome.

Take a look at the existing line up of Apple products. Gone are the days where they would differentiate themselves with unique chips (although I am pleased to see the iPad revert to a homegrown one).

The MBP is crying for i5's, HDMI and Bluray. Drop those in...my wallet is open...wide open. I'd be first in line. But they don't. So I wait.

Since Apple went "mainstream" with components, they have never had the "cutting edge" of technology. Sure OS x is still killer, but that and form factor is all they have. I think using Intel dare I say "generic" chips, puts more pressure on, since Intel release what seems to be hundreds each year. It's only human to want the latest.

The iPad may be a wake up call. Brand loyalty is IMHO starting to slide a little. How much longer do we have to pay a premium for OS x? Also - Windows 7 is bridging the gap...not to be confused with equal to, or on par...but Microsoft are now focused. Apple need to think carefully over the next couple of years.

Apple marketing is awesome. For years they have told everyone how they innovate. We believed them.

Even with iPad...they try to tell us this is "revolutionary". Really? Which bit? The only thing I had not seen before is iWork on a touchscreen. C'mon....even Windows 7 let's you work "some" apps via the screen (and has for 4 months).

I personally don't believe them anymore. I'll still buy, but that's because they are a quality product, and...well it's been said many times...it just works...not because it is the latest and greatest.

 

[Trek2100]

Now if only Apple would allow the Google Voice app into the App Store. That would be tremendous.

Google Mobile App (with voice search) is in the app store and it's free. I use the google voice search a lot on the iPhone. Is that what you are referring to?